Matsuri

So after wanting to eat here for ages (and ages) tonight was a pretty disappointing showing.
We ordered prawn goyoza, seafood pancake, takoyaki and sashimi
The sashimi was pretty good. But no better or worse than sashimi in similar establishments! It was nice to see scallop in the selection but the rest was standard. And the pieces were very small. At $ 18 for 11 pieces it wasn’t great value
The other dishes were average or poor. Prawn goyoza was ok but lacking in any prawn or any punchy flavours. The pancake was nice enough but sloppy. Again, hard to find the seafood flavours. Finally the takoyaki was extremely average with zero flavour and no octopus that was noticeable.
We’d heard great things about this place so it was disappointing to have this experience. The food was honestly super average. I usually don’t rate poorly if I can help it. But my local fast food japanese does better options than this! We considered ordering a few more dishes so we could try and find something great, but we found the first four dishes to be so average that we didn’t want to spend any more.
To be fair, our experience wasn’t helped by the couple at the table next to us (which was about 10 cm away) making out loudly like teenagers. Gross. Not much the staff there could really do about that! But gross.

Nestled behind an unassuming shop front in a hidden spot of the world sits Matsuri — a seriously awesome Japanese restaurant.
Word has gotten out, and this place is often pumping at night. Make sure to get there early if you’re wanting dinner. They do take bookings, so fear not.
I’ve been a few times now and the food is consistency outstanding. Recommend the gyoza, sashimi, edaname and the vegetarian curry. So so good.
Another reason why I did this place is the staff are super cute and bend over backwards to be helpful.
Cozy little place, and one I’d like to frequent more often.

Tried Matsuri a week or so ago, had been meaning to go there for awhile as it’s just down the road from us — and will be definitely going back — great food, atmosphere and staff.

I frequent Matsuri weekly– sometimes more than once. I do love Japanese, and have tried a few around Melbourne. However, none stand up to Matsuri’s standard. Unless its early they’re always busy, but do take bookings so that’s always the safe option. We always get; The salmon sashimi (SO fresh), takoyaki, prawn sushi, edamame, and vege skewers. Lots more options too. Must try if you love jap!

I dined here about 3 or so weeks ago, but unfortunately
is was inundated with extreme busyness. Having only a slight
vestige of what it may be like I was excited and intrigued
at the same time.
I wasn’t disappointed; great vegetarian offerings and some
great sushi, etc. In the end I reluctantly ended up with take way–
a feast that was demolished upon arriving back at the house.
I would dearly like to come here again and have a full
and proper sit down experience.